A Village Scandal

by Dilly Court

  ‘Me, too,’ Daisy added hastily. ‘And for that reason I’ve decided to accompany Marius to Maldon. The ship is due to arrive tomorrow, weather permitting, and I’ll see Jay then.’

  ‘You’re going away again? But Toby and Minnie’s wedding is in a week’s time.’

  ‘I’ll only be gone for the day. I’ll take the carriage and Fuller will see that I get home safely.’

  Mary frowned as she placed her cup and saucer on the table at the side of the sofa. ‘I’m very cross with Jay. My son can be so thoughtless at times. You must insist that he comes home with you, Daisy. Then we can attend Toby’s wedding as a family.’

  Daisy had been about to sit down, but just the mention of Jay’s name filled her with dread. It was all so different now, compared to the blissful early months of their marriage. Even when he was missing she had clung to the belief that he would return home, but she could never have imagined the situation in which she found herself. She made a move towards the doorway.

  ‘Shall I show you to your room, Marius? I’m sure Mrs Ralston will have our best bedchamber ready for you by now.’

  ‘I’ll come with you.’ Mary rose from her chair. ‘I’d like to see your purchases, Daisy.’

  ‘I’ve got a better idea,’ Daisy said lightly. ‘Why don’t you sit there and have another cup of tea, and I’ll bring the gifts I bought down here. If Hilda and the young ones haven’t gone back to the cottage they could join us, and it will be like Christmas all over again.’

  ‘What a nice idea.’ Mary smiled as she rang the bell. ‘Be quick. I can’t wait to see what you have for me.’

  Daisy opened the door and Marius followed her from the room. When they were out of earshot, he caught Daisy by the hand.

  ‘You are sure about tomorrow, aren’t you, Daisy?’ he said anxiously. ‘I didn’t mean to force you into something against your better judgement.’

  ‘You ought to know me well enough by now, Marius. I don’t allow anyone to force me to do anything if I think it’s a bad idea. I must find Jay, and it would be better to say what I have to say away from the family.’

  Fuller had the carriage waiting outside the manor house early next morning and they left before Mary was up and about. Daisy had a long list of messages for Jay from his mother, but she doubted if she would find time to pass them on. The question she wanted to put to him was simple and could be summed up in one word – why? She sat in the corner of the carriage with Marius seated opposite her, although she was not in the mood for conversation. As always, he seemed to understand, speaking only when spoken to and respecting her need for silence.

  It was late morning when they arrived at Hythe Quay, and through a forest of sailing-barge masts Daisy could see the familiar outline of the Lazy Jane, moored in the channel. She turned to Marius, who was standing beside her.

  ‘There she is. What do we do now?’

  ‘I suggest we visit the taproom of the Jolly Sailor first. If the crew have come ashore it’s the first place they’ll make for, unless they live locally.’

  ‘But Jay might be on board.’

  ‘If he is we’ll hire a boat to take us out to the ship.’ Marius proffered his arm. ‘Are you sure you want to do this, Daisy? You could wait in the carriage while I make enquiries.’

  ‘No, I’m quite calm – I won’t make a scene, if that’s what worries you.’

  Marius smiled. ‘It isn’t. I know better than that.’

  ‘So stop worrying about me, Marius. I just want the truth, no matter how much it hurts. Then I can move on. But until I know exactly what Jay thinks and feels I’m caught in a spider’s web of lies and deceit. I can’t live like that much longer.’

  He laid his hand on hers as it rested on his sleeve. ‘You’re the bravest woman I’ve ever met, Daisy. I want you to know that I’m here to support you, should you need it.’

  ‘I know you will, and I’m grateful. I just want to get this over and done with.’

  ‘I understand.’

  Marius led the way into the pub, protecting Daisy from the curious glances of the locals. Daisy followed him, looking anxiously around to see if she recognised anyone, but to her disappointment there were no familiar faces.

  Marius made enquiries at the bar and he returned to Daisy moments later. ‘The landlord knows the crew. He said Guppy is in the snug, having a meal, so I’ve ordered food and we’ll join him, if that’s all right with you.’

  Daisy nodded. ‘I know Clem quite well. I’m sure he’ll tell me anything he knows.’

  The landlord came out from behind the bar to show them into the snug, and to Daisy’s relief she found Guppy on his own. He was seated at a table eating a large meat pie. He looked up and jumped to his feet, knocking over the bench on which he had been sitting.

  ‘Mrs Tattersall, ma’am.’

  ‘I’m sorry to startle you, Clem. Do you mind if we join you?’

  Guppy righted the bench and dusted it with a none-too-clean rag that he produced from his pocket.

  ‘Please, take a seat, ma’am. You, too, sir.’ Guppy waited until they were settled before sitting down opposite them.

  ‘You’ll be loading the next cargo today, Guppy,’ Marius said evenly. ‘Is the captain on board?’

  Guppy eyed Daisy warily. ‘Er, no, sir. He didn’t sail with us this trip.’

  ‘Why not?’ Daisy demanded, unable to keep silent any longer.

  ‘I dunno, ma’am. It weren’t none of my business to enquire.’

  ‘But you must have some idea, Clem,’ Daisy said gently. ‘I know you’re very loyal, but I need you to tell me the truth.’

  ‘Of course, ma’am.’ Guppy pushed his plate away. ‘That pie ain’t one of their best. I’d have the beef stew, if I was you.’

  ‘Thanks, I’ll bear that in mind,’ Marius said casually. ‘You haven’t answered Mrs Tattersall’s question, Guppy.’

  ‘I can’t, sir. What the captain does is his affair. I keep me nose out of other folk’s business.’

  Daisy turned to Marius, laying a hand on his sleeve as he was about to reprimand Guppy. ‘I’d like to speak to Clem in private, Marius. Would you leave us for a few minutes, please?’

  Marius glared at Guppy. ‘I’ll go and order the food, but you’d best mind your manners when you’re speaking to Mrs Tattersall.’

  ‘Aye, sir.’ Guppy waited until the door closed on Marius. ‘I’m sorry, ma’am. I didn’t mean any offence, but the captain has been good to me, and I don’t talk out of turn.’

  ‘I realise that, Clem. But I am faced with a predicament. No one seems to know where my husband might be. Can you give me any information?’

  Guppy shook his head. ‘He was in Weymouth when us left, ma’am.’

  ‘Do you know his exact whereabouts?’

  ‘No, ma’am. I can’t help you there.’

  Daisy decided to change her method of persuading him to talk. ‘I was in London a little while ago, and I was talking to a young lady who met you at the party given by Mrs Harker. You might remember Miss Price.’

  Guppy’s sulky expression was wiped away by a wide grin. ‘I should say I do, ma’am. Ivy is a lovely girl, too good for the likes of me.’

  ‘I don’t know about that, Clem,’ Daisy said earnestly. ‘I believe she gets on very well with your mother, and I’m sure Mrs Guppy is a very good judge of character.’

  ‘Ma did take to her; that I do know.’

  ‘And Ivy was asking about you, Clem.’

  Guppy’s weathered face reddened and his eyes shone. ‘She did? Are you sure it were me she was asking about?’

  ‘Very sure, Clem. I could invite her down to Creek Manor at a time when you have shore leave.’

  ‘You’d do that for me, ma’am?’

  ‘I would, of course, and I’m sure you would try to oblige me, if I needed some information.’

  Guppy’s eyes narrowed. ‘You want me to peach on the captain?’

  ‘I wouldn’t put it like that, Clem. I am concerned for Jay’
s welfare and any information you can give me would be of enormous help.’

  ‘And you’d ask Ivy to the manor house?’

  ‘If you so wished.’ Daisy leaned her elbows on the table and met his gaze with a searching look. ‘Tell me the truth, Clem. Where is my husband now?’

  Clem looked away, staring out of the window. ‘We left him in Weymouth, ma’am.’

  ‘Why did he stay there? His home is in Little Creek.’

  Daisy glanced over her shoulder, sending Marius a warning look as he walked through the door. ‘Go on, Clem,’ she said gently. ‘You can speak in front of Mr Walters. It won’t go against you. Tell me if you know what happened to my husband after the boat sank.’

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Guppy took a deep breath. ‘Me, Ramsden and Lewis were picked up by a fishing boat, but I swear we didn’t know what happened to the captain. It was only recently we learned the truth.’

  Marius took a seat beside Daisy. ‘Go on, Guppy. Tell us what you know.’

  Guppy wiped the back of his hand over his mouth. ‘I’m powerful thirsty, sir. Could I have a pint of ale?’

  Marius nodded. ‘When the potman brings our food, I’ll order your drink.’

  ‘Thank you, sir.’ Guppy took a deep breath. ‘Well, as I was about to say – the captain was picked up by a merchant ship. He’d lost his memory so he couldn’t tell them where he came from, and he had no choice but to stay on board while they was on patrol. He said he didn’t remember much about his time at sea and he went down with a fever, which nearly done for him.’

  ‘That’s what we were told,’ Daisy said, nodding. ‘Jay was still very poorly when we brought him home, and he couldn’t remember anything or anyone.’

  ‘That’s right, ma’am.’ Guppy eyed her warily. ‘I might be speaking out of turn, but the truth is that the captain recovered his memory much sooner than he let on.’

  ‘That doesn’t make sense. Why would be keep up the pretence?’ Daisy asked, frowning. ‘Did he tell you anything more, Clem?’

  ‘He should be the one to tell you all this, ma’am. It’s not my place to repeat what he told us in confidence.’

  ‘Stop prevaricating, man,’ Marius said impatiently.

  ‘That won’t help, Marius.’ Daisy turned to Guppy with an attempt at a smile. ‘We don’t know where Jay is. I’m hoping that you will be able to help us.’

  The potman entered at that moment, carrying a tray laden with bowls of stew, a platter of bread and a large pat of golden butter. He placed it on the table, together with cutlery, and two glasses of cider.

  ‘A pint of ale, please.’ Marius handed the man a tip and was rewarded by a wide grin.

  ‘I’m starving,’ Daisy said, picking up a spoon and fork. ‘You can tell us the rest when you’ve had your drink, Clem.’

  ‘This smells good,’ Marius said, sniffing appreciatively. ‘Have a think, Guppy. Try to remember everything that Captain Tattersall told you.’

  They ate hungrily, and were halfway through the generous helpings of beef stew when the potman returned with Guppy’s tankard of ale. Marius paid the fellow, who bowed and backed out of the room as if in the presence of royalty.

  Guppy took a long drink and sighed with pleasure. ‘The best ale in the county. Now where was I?’

  ‘You hadn’t got very far,’ Daisy said patiently. ‘You said that my husband’s memory had returned but, for some reason best known to himself, he didn’t tell us.’

  ‘He didn’t let on because he was desperate to get back to Dorset. He often left me and Ramsden to sail the ship while he went ashore, and we guessed that there was a woman involved. There always was, even when we was boys.’

  Daisy’s appetite suddenly deserted her. ‘What do you mean by that, Clem?’

  Guppy took another swig of his drink. ‘Begging your pardon, ma’am. I don’t like to say it in front of his missis, but the captain always had an eye for a pretty face.’

  Daisy recalled the pale, thin woman with two young children and another baby on the way. Bessie must have been pretty once. How many deserted women and babies had Jay left in his wake? The temptation to get up from the table and rush outside to vent her feelings was almost too much to bear, but somehow she managed to keep an outward appearance of calm, although inwardly she was raging at Jay’s infidelity.

  ‘Go on, Clem,’ she said slowly.

  ‘You don’t have to listen to this.’ Marius patted her hand.

  ‘Yes, I do,’ Daisy said firmly. ‘It’s time all this came out in the open. I won’t have things said behind my back.’

  Guppy put his tankard down with a thud. ‘Your name has never been mentioned, ma’am. Neither for good nor for ill.’

  ‘That’s not important now, but I’ve met the young woman you speak of, Clem. I know that my husband has another family to support, but he must be getting money from somewhere. Has Jay gone back to his old ways? You know what I mean.’

  ‘I wouldn’t like to say, ma’am. When the old squire was alive we done a lot of things that was against the law, but we didn’t have much choice, being as how we was his tenants.’

  ‘I know all about that,’ Daisy said slowly. ‘What I don’t understand is why Jay went to Dorset in the first place? It’s a long way from Little Creek, and I never heard him mention a connection.’

  ‘The squire owned a property not far from Weymouth, ma’am. He inherited it from some distant relation, so I was told.’ Guppy glanced out of the window. ‘I should be getting back on board.’

  ‘You’re on my time,’ Marius said firmly. ‘You’ll go when I say so. Is there anything else you can tell us?’

  ‘The old squire had been dealing with the Chance family at the Crown Inn, Osmington Mills, more than thirty years ago. They was notorious smugglers and in league with some chap called French Peter. That’s how Squire Tattersall managed to set hisself up with the estate back home, at least that’s what I heard. There was fortunes to be made free-trading in them days, if you was prepared to risk the hangman’s noose.’

  ‘So Creek Manor was bought with ill-gained profits,’ Daisy mused. ‘I always knew the squire was a thoroughly bad man, but I can’t believe that Jay has taken after him.’

  ‘Is there anything more you can tell us, Guppy?’ Marius eyed him sternly. ‘You know that I don’t hold with law breaking in any form, don’t you? If I thought that anything like that was going on to this day I would sever my connection with the Lazy Jane and her captain.’

  ‘Aye, sir.’ Guppy scrambled to his feet. ‘But what I will say is that the captain never involved the Lazy Jane after the old squire died. What he does when he’s in Dorset is his own business, not ours. We just do our work and keep our mouths shut.’

  ‘Thank you, Clem,’ Daisy said hastily. ‘You’ve been very helpful, and I’ll have a word with Miss Price. I’m sure she’d enjoy a few days in the country.’

  Guppy hesitated in the doorway, grinning at her. ‘Thank you, ma’am. Much obliged.’

  Marius waited until the door closed on Guppy. ‘What was all that about?’

  ‘Guppy is in love,’ Daisy said, sighing.

  ‘Never mind him. Are you all right, Daisy? You don’t have to believe everything Guppy said. He might be mistaken.’

  She shook her head. ‘He has no reason to lie. I spoke to Jay’s wife and I saw her children. You and I saw the entry of the marriage in the parish register, but I want Jay to tell me to my face. I’ve tried to hate him, Marius, but the person we brought home from the hospital was a stranger. He wasn’t the man I fell in love with.’

  ‘I’ll go to Dorset and find him, and I’ll bring him back with me, whether he wants to come or not.’

  ‘No, don’t do that. I want him to come voluntarily, otherwise it’s no good.’

  ‘What will you do now?’

  ‘I don’t know. Jay’s put me in an impossible position. I’m not legally married to him, but I can’t just walk away and leave Mary to cope with the estate on her ow
n. Everyone, including the tenants, depends on me.’

  ‘It’s time he faced up to his responsibilities, and I’ll tell him so. Although, speaking personally, I’d like to throttle him for what he’s done to you.’

  ‘I don’t want anything said until I’ve had a chance to talk to him.’ Daisy rose to her feet and gathered up her gloves and reticule. Talking it over with Marius only made her feel worse, and she needed to be on her own. ‘I think it’s time I was on my way home. There’s nothing more I can do here.’

  Daisy had fallen asleep several times during the journey back to Little Creek, but her dreams had been disturbing. It was a relief to awaken and find the sun shining through the carriage windows, and as they neared the village she had an undisturbed view of the saltings. The spiky clumps of salt marsh grasses, glasswort and the occasional clump of sea lavender were a familiar and welcome sight. The brackish smell of the marsh mud mingled with the scent of garden flowers as they passed through the village, and Daisy received smiles and waves from the people she had come to know and like, some more than others.

  Marjorie Harker and Charity were about to climb into their carriage as they left the vicarage, and Grace Peabody stood with her husband, waving them off. Daisy wondered if they had been discussing wedding plans for Charity and Ned Tighe-Martin. Daisy acknowledged them with a wave, but she looked the other way when the carriage drove past the church where, not so long ago, her own marriage ceremony had taken place. She closed her eyes and tried to erase the memories, but they intruded on her thoughts like unwelcome visitors, and she had to force herself to think of something more pleasing.

  It was late afternoon by the time Daisy arrived at the manor house and the sight of the mellow red-brick Tudor mansion basking in the sunshine filled her heart with happiness. It was good to be home.

  Fuller leaped off the box to open the carriage door and he put the step down to enable Daisy to alight.

  ‘Thank you, Fuller,’ she said with a tired smile. ‘It’s been a long day.’

  ‘It has indeed, ma’am.’ Fuller climbed back on the driver’s seat and drove off in the direction of the stables, but as Daisy mounted the steps to the front entrance she was surprised to see Molesworth waiting for her in the doorway.